Efficiency of natural oils as alternative adjuvants to mineral oils in inactivated avian influenza vaccine formulation.

1. The effectiveness of inactivated vaccines depends on selecting the suitable adjuvant for vaccine formulation. The potency of vaccines with low antigen content can be improved with the appropriate adjuvant. This could allow production of more doses and lower the production cost.2. This study evaluated the efficiency of vaccines prepared using oil extracted from natural sources including argan oil, almond oil, sesame seed oil, pumpkin oil, cactus oil and black seed oil as alternative adjuvants for improving the protection capacity of inactivated influenza virus vaccine as compared to commonly used mineral oils.3. Each vaccine formulation was evaluated for stability, safety and immunogenicity in chickens, as well as for reducing the viral shedding after challenge infection.4. The cactus, sesame and pumpkin seed oil-based vaccines were found to be potent and successfully induced the production of humoral immunity in vaccinated chickens.

Intra-articular injection of etanercept versus glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of intra-articular injection of etanercept and compare it with corticosteroid injection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: Fifty patients with RA who suffered from activity in one joint were randomized into two groups, received an intra-articular injection of either etanercept or corticosteroid guided by musculoskeletal ultrasound. All patients were assessed for disease activity by disease activity score (DAS28), functional assessment using the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ), and laboratory investigations (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein). Joints affected were evaluated for pain by visual analog scale (VAS), tenderness, and swelling scores and by ultrasound for estimation of synovial hypertrophy, synovial effusion, and power Doppler. Follow-up of the patients was done at weeks 1, 4, and 12 after injection by clinical assessment and ultrasound. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of joint pain assessed by VAS, tenderness, and swelling scores in the etanercept group at week 1 and week 4 follow-up periods but there were insignificant changes at week 12. There was a significant decrease in synovial effusion at week 1 and week 4 and in power Doppler at week 1 but no significant change was noticed in synovial hypertrophy during the follow-up periods. In comparison of the two groups, etanercept has shown better results on joint scores at week 1; however, glucocorticoid had more sustained effects. No major or life-threatening side effects were noticed following intra-articular injection of etanercept. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular injection of etanercept is a safe and promising option; with comparable results to intra-articular injection of corticosteroid; however, its rapid absorption from the synovium may necessitate frequent injections. Key Points • Persistent inflammatory mono-arthritis is a common clinical problem that is often difficult to treat; it is a debilitating and destructive condition. • Intra-articular injection of TNF inhibitors is an encouraging treatment modality in managing refractory mono-arthritis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Mutations in foot and mouth disease virus types A and O isolated from vaccinated animals.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is responsible for serious economic losses in Egypt. Although vaccination is practised as the main control strategy, failure of vaccination has been reported in many cases, which can be due to a number of factors. Selection of FMD antigenic variants under the immune pressure of partially immunised hosts has been previously recorded. This study was designed to isolate and characterise foot and mouth disease viruses (FMDVs) circulating in Egyptian vaccinated animals. Serotype O, A and Southern African Territories (SAT) 2 FMDVs were detected in different Egyptian governorates during 2015, 2016 and 2017. The successful isolation of 15 FMDVs of the three serotypes is reported in this paper. Phylogenetic analysis based on the viral protein (VP) 1 gene showed that all serotype O isolates had East Africa (EA)-3 topotypes. There was variation in 15-17 amino acids between the serotype O isolates of 2015 and those of 2016 and 2017. The serotype A isolates belonged to the A-Iran-05 lineage, with the exception of one isolate of 2016 which clustered with the African strains of G-IV. Serotype SAT2 FMDV was detected in two samples of 2017 and both were of lineage Alx-12 of topotype VII. The virus neutralisation test using sera raised against vaccine strains confirmed the serotyping of the isolates and determined the antigenic relatedness between the isolates and the currently used vaccine strains. A decrease in the neutralising antibody titre of some serotype O and A isolates could be attributed to mutation in critical amino acids in the neutralising antigenic sites. Hence, this work supports previous studies describing the significance of amino acid substitutions within the antigenic sites of the virus in antibody neutralisation and immune escape.

La fièvre aphteuse est à l'origine d'importantes pertes économiques en Égypte. Si la vaccination constitue la principale stratégie de lutte contre cette maladie, de nombreux échecs vaccinaux ont été rapportés, dus à différents facteurs. Il a été constaté par le passé que la pression immunitaire exercée par des hôtes partiellement immunisés contre la fièvre aphteuse entraînait une sélection de variants antigéniques du virus. La présente étude avait donc pour objet d'isoler et de caractériser les virus de la fièvre aphteuse présents en Égypte chez les animaux vaccinés. Les sérotypes O, A et Southern African Territories (SAT) 2 du virus de la fièvre aphteuse ont été détectés dans plusieurs gouvernorats égyptiens en 2015, 2016 et 2017. Les auteurs font état de 15 isolements réussis de souches virales appartenant à chacun des trois sérotypes. Il ressort de l'analyse phylogénétique basée sur le gène de la protéine virale 1 (PV1) que tous les isolats de sérotype O correspondaient au topotype East Africa (EA) 3. Une variation de 15 à 17 acides aminés a été observée entre les virus de sérotype O isolés en 2015 et ceux du même sérotype isolés en 2016 et en 2017. Les isolats de sérotype A appartenaient tous à la lignée A-Iran-05, à l'exception d'un isolat de 2016 qui était proche des souches africaines du lignage G-IV. Le sérotype SAT-2 du virus de la fièvre aphteuse a été détecté dans deux échantillons prélevés en 2017. Les deux souches isolées appartenaient à la lignée Alx-12 du topotype VII. La neutralisation virale utilisant des antisérums produits contre les souches vaccinales a permis de confirmer le sérotypage des souches isolées et de déterminer le degré de similitude entre les isolats et les souches vaccinales utilisées actuellement. La diminution du titre d'anticorps neutralisants dirigés contre certains isolats des sérotypes O et A est probablement imputable à une mutation d'acides aminés déterminants au sein des sites de neutralisation des antigènes. Ce travail corrobore les résultats d'études antérieures qui avaient révélé que les substitutions d'acides aminés au sein des sites antigéniques du virus peuvent avoir un rôle dans la neutralisation d'anticorps et dans l'échappement du virus au système immunitaire.

La fiebre aftosa es causante de graves pérdidas económicas en Egipto. Aunque la vacunación viene siendo la principal estrategia de lucha, se han descrito numerosos casos en los que ha resultado ineficaz, hecho que puede deberse a varios factores. Anteriormente ya se había observado que la presión inmunitaria de hospedadores parcialmente inmunizados conduce a la selección de determinadas variantes antigénicas de la fiebre aftosa. Los autores exponen un estudio encaminado a aislar y caracterizar los virus de la fiebre aftosa circulantes en los animales egipcios vacunados. En los años 2015, 2016 y 2017 se detectaron en diferentes provincias del país los serotipos víricos O, A y SAT (Southern African Territories) 2. Los autores dan cuenta del aislamiento de 15 virus de la fiebre aftosa pertenecientes a uno u otro de estos tres serotipos. El análisis filogenético basado en el gen de la proteína vírica (VP) 1 demostró que todos los virus del serotipo O aislados correspondían al topotipo EA (East Africa)-3, con diferencias localizadas en los aminoácidos 15 a 17 entre los virus aislados en 2015 y los de 2016 y 2017. Los virus del serotipo A pertenecían al linaje A-Iran-05, con la excepción de uno de los de 2016, que formaba un conglomerado con las cepas africanas del linaje G-IV. El serotipo SAT2, por su parte, estaba presente en dos muestras de 2017, pertenecientes ambas al linaje Alx-12 del topotipo VII. Empleando la prueba de neutralización vírica con sueros sensibilizados contra cepas vacunales se confirmó el serotipo de los virus aislados y se determinó el grado de parentesco antigénico entre esos virus y las cepas vacunales utilizadas actualmente. El decremento observado en el título de anticuerpos neutralizantes frente a algunos de esos virus de los serotipos O y A podría explicarse por la mutación de aminoácidos fundamentales de los sitios antigénicos neutralizantes. Este trabajo, por lo tanto, viene a corroborar anteriores estudios que señalaban la gran influencia de la sustitución de aminoácidos en los sitios antigénicos del virus en los procesos de neutralización de anticuerpos y escape inmunitario.

Protective efficacy of a prime-boost protocol using H5-DNA plasmid as prime and inactivated H5N2 vaccine as the booster against the Egyptian avian influenza challenge virus.

In this study, a recombinant DNA plasmid was constructed, encoding for HA1 of a selected Egyptian H5N1 virus (isolated during the 2012 outbreaks). In the immunization and challenge experiments, SPF chickens received 1 or 2 doses of H5-DNA plasmid prime, and boosted with the inactivated H5N2 vaccine. Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers, protection levels, and the magnitude of virus shedding were compared to that of the chickens that received either DNA plasmid or inactivated H5N2 vaccine alone. H5N1 virus A/chicken/Egypt/128s/2012 (H5N1) highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) clade 2.2.1/C was used for the challenge. Chickens immunized with 1 or 2 doses of H5-DNA vaccine failed to overcome the challenge with 0% and 10% protection, respectively. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR revealed virus shedding of 2.2 x 104 PCR copies/ml 3 days post challenge (dpc) in the only surviving bird from the group that received 2 doses of plasmid. However, chickens immunized with 1 or 2 doses of H5-DNA plasmid as prime and inactivated H5N2 vaccine as booster, showed 80% protection after challenge, with a viral shedding of 1.2 x 104 PCR copies/ml (1 dose) and 1.6 x 104 PCR copies/ml (2 doses) 3 dpc. The surviving birds in both groups did not shed the virus at 5 and 7 dpc. In H5N2-vaccinated chickens, protection levels were 70% with relatively high virus shedding (1.8 x 104 PCR copies/ml) 3 dpc. HI titers were protective to the surviving chickens. This study reports the efficacy of H5-DNA plasmid to augment reduction in viral shedding and to provide better protection when applied in a prime-boost program with the inactivated AI vaccine.

Effect of aerobic exercise on premenstrual symptoms, haematological and hormonal parameters in young women.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on premenstrual symptoms, haematological and hormonal parameters in young women. A total of 30 participants aged 16-20 years and complaining of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were randomly assigned into two groups: a control group received vitamin B6 and Ca supplements once daily and a study group received the same medical treatment and participated in treadmill training three times per week for 3 months. A premenstrual syndrome questionnaire (MSQ), complete blood picture and hormone assays were performed for the assessment of all participants at the start and after the end of the treatment course. The study group showed a significant decrease in all post-treatment subscale symptoms, scores and total score. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, red cell count and platelet count were significantly increased, while mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and white blood cell count showed no significant differences. There was also a significant decrease in prolactin, oestradiol and progesterone levels. In conclusion, aerobic exercise increases haemoglobin, haematocrit, red cell count and platelet count, and decreases levels of prolactin, oestradiol and progesterone, resulting in improvement of fatigue, impaired concentration, confusion and most premenstrual symptoms.

Density functional theory (DFT) investigation of molecular structure and frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) of P-N,N-dimethylaminobenzylidenemalononitrile (DBM).

P-N,N-dimethylaminobenzylidenemalononitrile (DBM) dye belongs to a class of organic compounds known as molecular rotors. Its optimized geometry and frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), before and after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, were obtained by DFT/B3LYP level with complete relaxation in the potential energy surface using 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. It is found that the length of C-C bonds of the DBM molecule increases after the UV irradiation, which leads to an increase in its dipole moment making it as a promising material for solar cell applications. Also, its HOMO-LUMO gap decreased from 3.46 to 3.34 eV. From the cyclic voltammetry measurements the value of HOMO-LUMO gap is equal to 3.21 eV. This means that B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory is the best one for calculations.

Ab initio HF, DFT and experimental (FT-IR) investigation of vibrational spectroscopy of P-N,N-dimethylaminobenzylidenemalononitrile (DBM).

The optimized geometry and vibrational frequencies of P-N,N-dimethylaminobenzylidenemalononitrile (DBM) were obtained by ab initio HF and DFT/B3LYP levels with complete relaxation in the potential energy surface using 6-31++G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets. The Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum of DBM has been recorded in the region 4000-400 cm(-1). The harmonic vibrational frequencies were calculated and the scaled values have been compared with experimental FT-IR spectrum. The calculated frequencies are in good agreement with the experimental frequencies.

Prognostic implication of apoptosis and angiogenesis in cervical uteri cancer.

PURPOSE: A retrospective study was performed to investigate the relationship between spontaneous apoptosis and angiogenesis uterine cervix squamous cell carcinoma patients. The prognostic value of each (and both) of these biologic parameters was also tested. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The pathologic materials of 40 cervical uteri squamous cell carcinoma patients were examined and immunohistochemically stained to determine the tumor angiogenesis (tumor microvascular score), using factor VIII-related antigen, and their tumor apoptotic index (AI), using the TdT-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method. Three patients were Stage I, 18 were Stage II, 15 were Stage III, and 4 were Stage IV (FIGO classification). All patients were treated with radical radiotherapy and all had follow-up for more than 2 years. RESULTS: The mean AI was 15.1 +/- 12.8, with a median of 8.3. The mean tumor microvascular score was 39.7 +/- 14.4, with a median of 3 8. The patients' age and tumor grade did not seem to significantly affect the prognosis. On the other hand, AI and angiogenesis (tumor microvascular score) were of high prognostic significance. The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate for the patients having AI above the median was 78% (confidence interval [CI] 69-87%), compared to 32% (CI 22-42%) for those having AI below the median. The DFS was 18% (CI 9-27%) for patients having an angiogenesis score above the median, while it was 86% (CI 78-94%) for those patients having a score below the median. CONCLUSION: Determination of both tumor microvascular score and AI can identify patients with the best prognosis of 100% DFS (with low angiogenesis score and high AI). Women with a high score and low AI had the worst prognosis (DFS = 3%, CI 1-5%). Moreover, high AI can compensate partially for the aggressive behavior of tumors showing a high rate of angiogenesis.

Meloidogyne javanica Parasitic on Peanut.

Peanut fields in four governorates of Egypt were surveyed to identify species of Meloidogyne present. Fourteen populations obtained from peanut roots were all identified as M. javanica based on perineal patterns, stylet and body lengths of second-stage juveniles, esterase phenotypes, and restriction fragment length polymorphisms of mtDNA. Three of 14 populations, all from contiguous fields in the Behara governorate, had individuals with a unique two-isozyme esterase phenotype. All populations of M. javanica tested on peanut had levels of reproduction on the M. arenaria-susceptible peanut cultivar Florunner that were not different from M. arenaria (P = 0.05), and had lower levels of reproduction on the M. arenaria-resistant genotype TxAG-7 than on Florunner (P = 0.05). Reproduction of the five Egyptian populations of M. javanica tested was lower on root-knot nematode resistant tomato cultivars Better Boy and Celebrity than on the root-knot nematode susceptible cultivar Rutgers (P = 0.05). These data are evidence that some populations of M. javanica are parasitic on peanut and that the peanut and tomato genotypes resistant to M. arenaria are also resistant to these populations of M. javanica.

Sphenoid sinus mucopyocele with marked intracranial extension: a more common phenomenon in the Third World?

Sphenoid sinus mucoceles are rare lesions. Those with intracranial extension were thought to be extremely rare in Western literature. We encountered three such cases within 1 year. These cases were confirmed on pathological examination to be pyoceles of the sphenoid sinus, extending to the sella and suprasellar region. Bilateral exophthalmos, papilledema, and severe headache were among the most consistent findings encountered. It appears that these lesions might be more common in areas of poor socioeconomic status like Third World countries. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions of the sella extending to the suprasellar region.

Synthesis and biological activity of some 4-substituted pyrimidines and fused pyrimidines.

The synthesis of 4-beta-cyanoethylthiopyrimidine 2 and 4-chloropyrimidine 8a was chieved from 4-mercapto-5-acetylpyrimidine (1a). Also the synthesis of thienopyrimidine-7,7-dioxide 6, 4-arylaminopyrimidines 9a-e, 4-alkoxypyrimidines 11a, b, pyrimidoquinazoline 10, thienopyrimidines 19a, b and tetrazolopyrimidine 18 was described.

Hepatitis B vaccination in children infected with Schistosoma mansoni: correlation with ultrasonographic data.

Forty-one schoolchildren with positive stools for Schistosoma mansoni eggs and 39 age- and sex-matched children with negative stools were given 3 doses, 5 micrograms each, of a plasma derived hepatitis B vaccine. Their sera were examined 3 and 9 months after the third dose for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). At 9 months after vaccination, both the number of responders and the mean of antibody titers were significantly higher in the control group than in the group infected with S. mansoni (97% vs. 56% and 334.8 +/- 192.9 vs. 67.7 +/- 74.4 mIU/ml). There was a negative correlation between anti-HBs titers and the long diameter of the spleen as well as between the titers and the long diameter of the spleen and the liver span in the mid-clavicular line (right lobe) taken together. There was also a positive correlation between anti-HBs titers and the diameters of the portal vein. There was no correlation between anti-HBs titers and any of the following 3 parameters: liver span in the mid-clavicular line (right lobe) alone, liver span in the middle line (left lobe) alone, and the degree of thickness of the periportal fibrosis. There was also no correlation between anti-HBs titers and egg counts in the stools. An interpretation of these findings was made in the light of the role of phagocytic activity of the liver and spleen as well as of porta-caval shunts in the immune mechanism.

Flexible endoscopy and radiologic evaluation of the eustachian tube in adults with eustachian tube dysfunction.

This study was conducted on 20 adult patients presenting with eustachian tube dysfunction of about 6 months' duration. It included endoscopy of the pharyngeal end of the eustachian tube and contrast radiologic study. Both methods are now available because of technical progress and practical improvements. By these methods, physiologic movements of the soft palate, tubal torus, and tubal orifice can be observed and studied and anatomic variations and pathologic abnormalities can be detected. This study shows that eustachian tube dysfunction may be caused by salpingitis (acute or chronic) or adenoid or nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Scleroma affecting the lumen of the eustachian tube was reported in one case.

Cerebral atrophy: a schistosomiasis manifestation?

Preliminary studies with sonography indicated that a reduced brain mantle index and dilated ventricles were frequently seen in patients with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection. Computerized tomography (CT) was used to confirm our earlier observations and to obtain more accurate measures. Brain scans of 25 patients with chronic S. mansoni infection showed mild to moderate degrees of cortical atrophy in 9 cases (36%) and central atrophy in 3 (12%). The remaining 16 subjects and 10 controls showed normal brain scans. The present study is the first report documented by CT showing a significant correlation between chronic S. mansoni infection and cerebral atrophy.